Sorry but you are the one genralizing-you say ALL religions are nutty and this just isnt true even if you dont believe in God(s). Many religions stick to the afterlife and pretty much keep to themselves in this life. Others are intensely private. Others have their people going door to door proslethyzing, etc.

You are trying to say all religons are nutty-end of story.

Sorry but since more than 80% of the worlds population believe in some kind of religion, we need to operate under the presumption of operating in that environment. Some religious people are quite reasonable and whether you believe in their religion or not, their interactions with the rest of society are civilized and tolerant.

My point is that SOME specific religions, which does include LDS, have a more controlling method of operation-they have a lot more control of their members and demand obedience. Of course the worst part of this is that if you dont obey, you dont go to heaven-piss off God(s), etc. If a political candidate has to answer to his/her church at such a blind loyalty level FIRST then we are putting the nutties into power-something most of us dont want.

I would learn more about the "cults" you discuss. Some are quite tame and innoccuous while others are quite dangerous. A lot of us were boyscouts or girlscouts-does that make us all cult members? Most of us dont take that experience too deep into our adult lives or hold the leadership in superiority to the people of the USA-but certain religions sure do. A point you need to grasp-it is quite possible to be a church going leader and put the people ahead of your minister-many leaders do this all the time-but if you are taking your cues from your minister-THAT is a concern.